EP3418437B1 - Clothes treating apparatus - Google Patents

Clothes treating apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3418437B1
EP3418437B1 EP18178430.7A EP18178430A EP3418437B1 EP 3418437 B1 EP3418437 B1 EP 3418437B1 EP 18178430 A EP18178430 A EP 18178430A EP 3418437 B1 EP3418437 B1 EP 3418437B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
unit
rod member
valve unit
valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18178430.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3418437A1 (en
Inventor
Wansik NAM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Publication of EP3418437A1 publication Critical patent/EP3418437A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3418437B1 publication Critical patent/EP3418437B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F73/00—Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam 
    • D06F73/02—Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam  having one or more treatment chambers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/203—Laundry conditioning arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
    • D06F39/085—Arrangements or adaptations of pumps
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/10—Drying cabinets or drying chambers having heating or ventilating means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K15/00—Check valves
    • F16K15/02—Check valves with guided rigid valve members
    • F16K15/06—Check valves with guided rigid valve members with guided stems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22D—PREHEATING, OR ACCUMULATING PREHEATED, FEED-WATER FOR STEAM GENERATION; FEED-WATER SUPPLY FOR STEAM GENERATION; CONTROLLING WATER LEVEL FOR STEAM GENERATION; AUXILIARY DEVICES FOR PROMOTING WATER CIRCULATION WITHIN STEAM BOILERS
    • F22D5/00—Controlling water feed or water level; Automatic water feeding or water-level regulators
    • F22D5/26—Automatic feed-control systems
    • F22D5/34—Applications of valves
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a clothes treating apparatus.
  • a clothes treating apparatus includes any apparatus for managing or treating clothes such as washing, drying, wrinkle elimination, and the like, of clothes or bedding at homes and laundries,
  • the clothes treating apparatus includes a washing machine for washing clothes, a dryer for drying clothes, a washer-drier supporting both a washing function and a dry function, a refresher for refreshing clothes, an iron for eliminating unnecessary wrinkles of clothes or creating required wrinkles, or a steamer for eliminating unnecessary wrinkles of clothes.
  • the refresher an apparatus for refreshing clothes, serves to dry clothes, supply fragrance to clothes, prevent generation of static electricity of clothes, or eliminate wrinkles of clothes.
  • the steamer is an apparatus for simply eliminating wrinkles of clothes by supplying steam to the clothes. Unlike a general iron, a hot plate thereof is not in contact with clothes, the steamer finely eliminates wrinkles of clothes
  • the clothes treating apparatus supporting both function of the refresher and the steamer may serve to eliminate wrinkles and odor of clothes received therein using steam and hot wind. Through those functions, clothes received in the clothes treating apparatus may obtain an ironing effect as odor particles contaminating the clothes are eliminated or wrinkles are eliminated.
  • a washing machine having a steam generator in particular, a drum-type washing machine, has become prevalent. That is, steam is supplied to laundry before or after washing or during washing to increase a washing effect through a sterilization function, a time reduction, acceleration of activation of a detergent, and the like.
  • the present disclosure relates to a refresher and a steamer among clothes treating apparatuses described above, but is not limited thereto.
  • a valve for blocking water supply to the steam unit or preventing a back flow of steam is provided on a flow channel connecting a steam unit, a water tank, and a water supply pump of a clothes treating apparatus.
  • the general clothes treating apparatus has an electronic valve, and the flow channel connected to the steam unit may be opened and closed by driving the electronic valve by a control signal from a controller, or control unit.
  • controller and “control unit” may be interchanged hereinafter.
  • the general clothes treating apparatus may have a mechanically driven check valve to open and close the flow channel, apart from the controller or control unit.
  • a general check valve may serve to prevent back flow of steam, but, after water supply to the steam unit terminates, an air layer is generated in a water supply pump due to negative pressure within the flow channel.
  • the pump may not normally operate at the time of a next water supply operation, causing user inconvenience or breakdown of the clothes treating apparatus.
  • EP 2006436 A2 describes a laundry treating appliance having a housing.
  • a cylindrical suds container is arranged in the housing for receiving a laundry for treatment.
  • a steam generator includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening for water and steam.
  • a pump delivers the water to the inlet opening of the steam generator.
  • a check valve is provided to prevent a backflow of steam generated in the steam generator.
  • KR 20070074084 A describes a washing machine having a structure for preventing a reverse water pressure, including a tub, a drum, a steam generator, a water supply device, and a counter current prevention tool.
  • the tub is inside a body.
  • the drum is rotatively installed in the tub.
  • the steam generator supplies a steam to an inside of the drum.
  • the water supply device supplies water to the steam generator.
  • the counter current prevention tool prevents a counter current of washing water in the tub.
  • EP 2826909 A1 describes a method for operating a steam generation unit in a laundry dryer.
  • an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a clothes treating apparatus having a valve unit which opens a flow channel during a water supply operation and closing the flow channel during a steam operation using a structural characteristic of a mechanical valve.
  • Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a clothes treating apparatus having a valve unit capable of preventing formation of an air layer within a water supply pump during a water supply operation, as well as preventing a back flow of steam during a steam operation.
  • Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a clothes treating apparatus having a mechanical valve, rather than an electronic valve, reducing manufacturing cost.
  • Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a clothes treating apparatus having a mechanical valve, rather than an electronic valve, saving a driving current required for driving the electronic valve.
  • a clothes treating apparatus comprises a case in which a treatment chamber for holding clothes is provided; a steam unit configured for supplying steam to the treatment chamber; a storage tank configured for storing water to be supplied to the steam unit; a valve unit disposed in a flow channel connecting the storage tank and the steam unit; a water supply pump configured for generating driving power to transmit water stored in the storage tank to the steam unit; and a control unit configured for controlling the steam unit and the water supply pump, wherein the valve unit is configured to open or close the flow channel by at least one of water and steam flowing in the flow channel, wherein the valve unit is a mechanical valve operating independently from the control unit, and wherein the valve unit includes a main body having a hollow portion therein, and a rod member provided to be movable within the main body, wherein the valve unit is configured to adopt a first state in which the rod member has moved toward the steam unit within the hollow portion to open the hollow portion to allow
  • the valve unit is configured to open or close the flow channel by at least one of water and steam flowing in the flow channel.
  • the valve unit may be configured to open the flow channel when water is supplied via the flow channel to the steam unit and to close the flow channel when steam is generated by the steam unit.
  • the valve unit may be configured to close the flow channel by steam flowing in the flow channel.
  • the valve unit may be configured to close the flow channel by air pressure of steam flowing in the flow channel.
  • the valve unit may be configured to close the flow channel by air pressure of steam generated by the steam unit.
  • the steam may flow from the steam unit into the flow channel.
  • the valve unit may be configured to open the flow channel by water flowing in the flow channel.
  • the valve unit may be configured to open the flow channel by pressure of water flowing in the flow channel.
  • the valve unit may be configured to open the flow channel by pressure of water supplied by the water supply pump and flowing in the flow channel.
  • the tank module may include the storage tank.
  • valve unit When the water supply pump operates, the valve unit may open the flow channel by water flowing in the flow channel.
  • the valve unit may close the flow channel by the generated steam.
  • the valve unit is a mechanical valve operating independently from the controller, that is, the control unit.
  • the valve unit includes a main body having a hollow portion therein and a rod member provided to be movable within the main body.
  • the valve unit is implemented in a first state in which the rod member moves toward the steam unit within the hollow portion to open the hollow portion to allow water supplied from the tank module or storage tank to flow. That is, the valve unit is configured to adopt the first state.
  • the valve unit is implemented in a second state in which the rod member moves toward the tank module or storage tank within the hollow portion to close the hollow portion to prevent a backflow of steam generated by the steam unit. That is, the valve unit is configured to adopt the second state.
  • the valve unit is implemented in the first state and in the second state. That is, the valve unit is configured to adopt the first state and the second state.
  • the term "a backflow of steam” is to be understood to include a flow of steam in a direction towards the tank module or storage tank, that is, a direction opposite to a flow of water that is transmitted to the steam unit.
  • a portion of the follow channel in which the valve unit is provided is formed in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the ground.
  • the hollow portion of the main body of the valve unit may form a portion of a hollow channel that is formed in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the ground.
  • the valve unit is implemented in the first state in which the rod member moves downwards within the hollow portion to open the hollow portion to allow water supplied from the tank module or storage tank to flow when the steam unit is stopped. That is, the valve unit is configured to adopt the first state.
  • the valve unit is implemented in the second state in which the rod member moves upwards within the hollow portion to close the hollow portion to prevent a backflow of steam generated by the steam unit when the steam unit operates. That is, the valve unit is configured to adopt the second state.
  • the valve unit is implemented in the first state and in the second state. That is, the valve unit is configured to adopt the first state and the second state.
  • the rod member is positioned on a lower side within the hollow portion due to gravity when both the water supply pump and the steam unit are stopped.
  • the portion of the hollow channel in which the valve unit is provided is formed in a substantially vertical direction, that is, sufficiently vertical to allow the rod member to be positioned on a lower side within the hollow portion by gravity when both the water supply pump and the steam unit are stopped.
  • the rod member When steam is generated by the steam unit, the rod member may move upwards within the hollow portion by air pressure of the generated steam.
  • the valve unit may have a cylindrical shape.
  • the valve unit may include: a first ring protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the valve unit.
  • the valve unit may include a second ring protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the valve unit.
  • the valve unit may include: a first rib protruding from one surface of the ring in a flow direction of water.
  • the rod member may include a first part provided at one end of the rod member adjacent to the tank module or storage tank and caught by one surface of the second ring when water is supplied; and a second part provided at one end of the rod member adjacent to the steam unit and caught by a surface different from the one surface of the second ring when steam is generated.
  • the second part may be configured to be caught by a surface of the second ring different from the one surface of the second ring when steam is generated.
  • the first part of the rod member may include at least one hole and a hook provided to be caught by the second ring.
  • the hole may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the hook. That is, the hole may be provided on an inner surface of the hook that is facing away from an outer circumferential surface of the hook.
  • the hook When the water supply pump operates, the hook may be mounted on one surface of the second ring adjacent to the tank module or storage tank. That is, the hook is configured to be disposed or caught on one surface of the second ring adjacent to the tank module or storage tank when the water supply pump operates.
  • the first part of the rod member may be elastically deformed by an external force.
  • One surface of the first part of the rod member may be gentle, or smooth, to minimize resistance with respect to water flowing in the flow channel.
  • One end of the first part of the rod member adjacent to the water supply tank may be narrower than one end of the first part of the rod member adjacent to the steam unit.
  • One end of the first part of the rod member adjacent to the water supply tank may be smaller than a diameter of a circle formed by the second ring, and one end of the first part of the rod member adjacent to the steam unit may be larger than the diameter of the circle.
  • the second part of the rod member may include a sealing member closing the hollow portion when in contact with the second ring; and a damper, or stop, fixing the sealing member.
  • the damper or stop may be a thickening of the second part of the rod member.
  • the sealing member When the rod member moves toward the tank module or storage tank due to air pressure of steam generated by the steam unit, the sealing member may be tightly attached to one surface of the second ring adjacent to the steam unit to close the hollow portion.
  • the second ring may include a second rib protruding from one surface thereof adjacent to the steam unit, and when the rod member moves toward the tank module or storage tank, the sealing member may be tightly attached to the second rib.
  • the sealing member may include a first plate and a second plate.
  • the first plate may be larger than the second plate.
  • the second plate may be thicker than the first plate.
  • the sealing member may be formed to be elastically deformed by an external force.
  • the second part of the rod member may further include a third rib radially protruding from the rod member.
  • the third rib may be formed to prevent the rod member from being restrained within the main body due to a foreign object present within the hollow portion.
  • the third rib may be formed to guide a direction in which the rod member is oriented, when the rod member moves within the main body.
  • the mechanical valve instead of an electronic valve, is provided in the flow channel connected to the steam unit, manufacturing cost may be reduced.
  • generation of an air layer in the flow channel connected to the valve when an operation of supplying water to the steam unit is performed and the water supply operation terminates may be prevented.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a some components of the clothes treating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of some components of the clothes treating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the clothes treating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the clothes treating apparatus includes a case 10 including a treatment chamber 12 for holding clothes, a steam unit 40 for supplying steam to the treatment chamber 12, a blowing unit 30 for intaking air from the inside of the treatment chamber 12, an inlet temperature sensor 39 measuring an inlet temperature as a temperature value of air intaken to the blowing unit 30, a heat pump unit 50 for heating air intaken by the blowing unit 30 and discharging heated air to the treatment chamber 12, and a control unit 60 controlling the steam u nit 40, the blowing unit 30, and the heat pump unit 50.
  • the case 10 has a separator 11 dividing the inside of the case 10 in a vertical direction, the treatment chamber 12 holding clothes is provided above the separator 11 and a cycle chamber 14 in which a mechanical device is installed is provided below the separator 11.
  • the case has a door 20 opening and closing a front side of the case 20.
  • the treatment chamber 12 holds clothes and removes wrinkles or deodorizes the clothes through steaming, air circulation, drying, and the like.
  • the blowing unit 30 intaking air from the inside of the treatment chamber 12 and circulating the intaken air, the steam unit 40 supplying steam to the treatment chamber 12, the heat pump unit 50 supplying heated air to the treatment chamber 12, and the control unit 60 controlling the units 30, 40, and 50 are installed.
  • the blowing unit 30 intakes air from the inside of the treatment chamber 12 under the control of the control unit 60. Air intaken to the blowing unit 30 is discharged to the heat pump unit 50.
  • the blowing unit 30 includes a blowing fan module 32 moving air through rotation of a fan to intake air from the inside of the treatment chamber 12 and subsequently discharging the intaken air to the heat pump unit 50 and an inlet duct 34 installed on an intaking side of the blowing fan module 32 and guiding air within the treatment chamber 12 to the blowing fan module 32.
  • the inlet temperature sensor 39 measuring an inlet temperature as a temperature value of air moving within the inlet duct 34 is provided within the inlet duct 34.
  • the inlet temperature sensor 39 measures an inlet temperature as a temperature value of air intaken to the inside of the inlet duct 34 from the treatment chamber 12 and transfers the measured inlet temperature to the control unit 60.
  • blowing fan module 32 One side of the blowing fan module 32 is connected to the inlet duct 34, and the other side thereof is connected to the heat pump unit 50.
  • the blowing fan module 32 is a single module including a sirocco fan, a duct, and a motor.
  • the steam unit 40 supplies steam to the treatment chamber 12 under the control of the control unit 60.
  • the steam unit 40 is heated by power applied thereto, receives water stored in a storage tank and heats the received water to convert the water into steam.
  • Steam generated by the steam unit 40 is discharged to the treatment chamber 12.
  • steam generated by the steam unit 40 moves to the treatment chamber 12 through a flow channel of the heat pump unit 50. That is, the steam unit 40 is preferably connected to the heat pump unit 50.
  • the steam unit 40 includes a heater 41 heating water.
  • the steam unit 40 performs preheating to first heat the heater 41 and subsequently generates steam under the control of the control unit 60.
  • the heat pump unit 50 heats air intaken by the blowing unit 30 and discharges the heated air to the inside of the treatment chamber 12 under the control of the control unit 60.
  • the heat pump unit 50 is configured as a refrigerating cycle including a compressor 51, a condenser 53, an evaporator (not shown), and an expansion valve (not shown), and includes a heat pump flow channel 55, in which the condenser 53 is installed, forming a flow channel.
  • the compressor 51 compresses a refrigerant to make the refrigerant in a high temperature and high pressure state.
  • the condenser 53 heat-exchanges the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 51 with air intaken to the blowing unit 30 to heat air.
  • the expansion valve expands the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, and the evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve to collect the refrigerant by the compressor 51.
  • One side of the heat pump flow channel 55 is connected to the blowing fan module 32 of the blowing unit 30, and the other side thereof is connected to the treatment chamber 12.
  • the condenser 53 is disposed within the heat pump flow channel 55.
  • a tank module 70 storing water is installed in front of the cycle chamber 14, and in the present embodiment, a tank module frame 71 in which the tank module 70 is installed is installed in front of the inlet duct 34.
  • the tank module 70 includes a storage tank 80 storing water supplied to the steam unit 40 and a drain tank 90 collecting and storing condensate generated in the treatment chamber 12.
  • the storage tank 80 is connected to the steam unit 40 to supply water, and the drain tank 90 is connected to the treatment chamber 12 and stores water condensed in the treatment chamber 12 or the heat pump unit 50.
  • the control unit 60 receives an inlet temperature from the inlet temperature sensor 39.
  • the control unit 60 performs each operation to treat clothes in the clothes treating apparatus according to a preset course by controlling the steam unit 40, the blowing unit 30, and the heat pump unit 50 according to a user setting or an inlet temperature. Each operation to treat clothes will be described with reference to FIG. 5 hereinafter.
  • the control unit 60 controls an operation of the heat pump unit 50 on the basis of a preheating inlet temperature measured by the inlet temperature sensor 39 by operating the blowing unit 30, while preheating the steam unit 40.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 operations of a general course are illustrated, and some of operations may be omitted or order of the operations may be interchanged.
  • control unit 60 When a user starts to operate the clothes treating apparatus, the control unit 60 performs a preheating operation to preheat the heater 41 of the steam unit 40 by supplying power to the heater 41 (S210).
  • the control unit 60 operates the blowing fan module 32 of the blowing unit 30.
  • the inlet temperature sensor 39 measures temperature of air intaken to the inlet duct 34 of the blowing unit 30 and transfers the measured preheating inlet temperature to the control unit 60.
  • the control unit 60 performs a steam operation (S220).
  • the control unit 60 supplies water stored in the storage tank 80 to the steam u nit 40 to generate steam, and supplies steam to the inside of the treatment chamber 12.
  • the control unit 60 operates the blowing fan module 32 to circulate air within the treatment chamber 12.
  • the heat pump unit 50 does not operate.
  • control unit 60 stops operation of the steam unit 40 to terminate the steam operation (S220).
  • the control unit 60 After the steam operation (S220), the control unit 60 performs a standby operation (or waiting operation) (S230) and a cooling operation (S240). After the operation of the steam unit 40 is stopped, the control unit 60 performs the standby operation (S230) such that steam may be sufficiently applied to the clothes, while rotating the blowing fan module 32 at a relatively low RPM.
  • control unit 60 When a preset period of time has elapsed, the control unit 60 performs a cooling operation (S240) to decrease temperature within the treatment chamber 12, while rotating the blowing fan module 32 at a relatively high RPM.
  • a cooling operation S240
  • control unit 60 terminates the cooling operation (S240).
  • control unit 60 After the cooling operation (S240), the control unit 60 performs a dry operation (S250) to supply heated air to the inside of the treatment chamber 12 by driving the blowing fan module 32 and driving the compressor 51 of the heat pump unit 50.
  • An electronic water supply valve 604, a water supply pump 605, and the storage tank 80 may be connected to a flow channel delivering water to the steam unit 40.
  • the electronic water supply valve 604 may be opened or closed on the basis of an electrical signal generated by the control unit 60. That is, the control unit 60 may generate a driving current having a predetermined current value to open or close the electronic water supply valve 604.
  • the storage tank 80 may temporarily store water before delivering water to the steam unit 40. Also, the water supply pump 605 may generate driving power to supply water to the steam unit 40.
  • the control unit 60 may adjust an amount of water supplied to a water supply tank by controlling at least one of an operation time of the water supply pump 605 and an opening time of the electronic water supply valve 604.
  • a control signal having a predetermined current value is required to be received from the control unit 60, which may be a limitation factor in designing the control unit 60.
  • FIG. 7A illustrates an appearance of the electronic valve 604 provided in the existing clothes treating apparatus and FIG. 7B illustrates an appearance of a valve unit 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the electronic valve 604 in order for the electronic valve 604 to normally operate, the electronic valve 604 should receive a control signal from the control unit 60, and thus, the electronic valve 604 includes a component for electrical connection with the control unit 60.
  • the electronic valve 604 since the electronic valve 604 has a volume and a weight greater than those of the valve unit 800 according to the present disclosure, the electronic valve 604 includes a fastening unit formed to be fastened to a surface of the clothes treating apparatus.
  • FIG. 7C is a conceptual view illustrating a clothes treating apparatus having the valve unit 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the valve unit 800 may be disposed in a flow channel connecting the storage tank 80, the water supply pump 605, and the steam unit 40.
  • a portion of the flow channel in which the valve unit 800 is disposed may be formed in a vertical direction, that is, a substantially vertical direction.
  • a vertical direction that is, a substantially vertical direction.
  • water delivered from an upper side by the water supply pump 604 may flow downwards.
  • the flow channel in which the valve unit 800 is disposed may be connected to the water supply pump 605 disposed below the valve unit 800 and extends to a position higher than a position of the valve unit 800.
  • the flow channel may be bent from a point higher than the position of the valve unit 800 and extend in a vertical direction with respect to the ground so as to be connected to the valve unit 800. That is, the flow channel may be formed such that an outlet B of the valve unit 800 is oriented to the ground.
  • valve unit 800 may be configured to constantly open the flow channel due to an influence of gravity when there is no flow in the flow channel as water is not supplied and steam is not generated.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the valve unit 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • valve unit 800 may include a plurality of components.
  • valve unit 800 may include a main body 801, a rod member 802, and a sealing member 803.
  • the main body 801 may have a hollow portion therein. An inlet and an outlet of the main body 801 may be connected to the flow channel as illustrated in FIG. 7C .
  • a flexible pipe forming the flow channel may be inserted into the inlet and the outlet of the main body 801.
  • rod member 802 illustrated in FIG. 8 may be movable within the main body 801.
  • the bar member 802 may be formed to be movable within the hollow portion of the main body 801.
  • the rod member 802 may open or close the hollow portion. That is, the valve unit 800 may open or close the flow channel according to movement of the rod member 802 within the hollow portion.
  • the sealing member 803 may be coupled to the rod member 802.
  • the sealing member 803 may be coupled to the rod member 802 such that the sealing member 803 is positioned between the rod member 802 and the main body 801.
  • valve unit 800 has a cylindrical shape but an appearance of the valve unit 800 is not limited thereto. That is, the valve unit 800 may have a different shape according to a cross-section of the flow channel. However, for the purposes of description, the cylindrical valve unit 800 will be described hereinafter.
  • the valve unit 800 may open or close the flow channel by at least one of water and steam flowing in the flow channel.
  • valve unit 800 may open the flow channel by water flowing in the flow channel.
  • valve unit 800 may close the flow channel by the generated steam.
  • the valve unit 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 may be a mechanical valve operating independently from the control unit 60.
  • valve unit 800 may be a mechanical valve implemented in a first state in which the flow channel is opened and a second state in which the flow channel is closed.
  • the first state and the second state of the valve unit 800 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12C .
  • valve unit 800 may open or close the flow channel according to a relative position of the rod member 802 within the main body 801.
  • valve unit 800 may open or close the flow channel according to a movement direction of the rod member 802 within the main body 801.
  • valve unit 800 may open or close the flow channel as a portion of the rod member 802 in contact with the main body 801 is changed according to movement of the rod member 802 within the main body 801.
  • the main body 801, the rod member 802, and the sealing member 803 may be provided as independent components, and the user may couple the rod member 802 and the sealing member 803 by inserting the sealing member 803 to the rod member 802. Also, the user may insert the coupled body of the rod member 802 and the sealing member 803 into the inside of the main body 801 until the coupled body is attached to a portion of the main body 801 to thus couple the coupled body to the main body 801.
  • the valve unit 800 may be formed as an assembly of the main body 801, the rod member 802, and the sealing member 803.
  • the main body 801 of the valve unit 800 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D .
  • FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the main body 801.
  • the main body 801 of the valve unit 800 may have an inlet T formed to be adjacent to the storage tank 80 and the outlet B formed to be adjacent to the steam unit 40.
  • the main body 801 may have a first ring 811 protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the main body 801.
  • a first rib 821 may be provided on one surface of the first ring 811 and protrude from one surface of the first ring 811 in a flow direction of water.
  • the first rib 821 may be provided on one surface of the first ring 811 adjacent to the first ring 811.
  • FIG. 9B is a front view of the main body 801.
  • a width of the first rib 821 may become narrow toward the outlet B formed to be adjacent to the steam unit 40.
  • the first rib 821 may represent a flow direction of water within the flow channel.
  • FIG. 9C is a top view of the main body 801 and FIG. 9D is a bottom view of the main body 801.
  • the main body 801 may have a second ring 831 protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the main body 801.
  • a second rib 841 may be provided on one surface of the second ring 831 and protrude from one surface of the second ring 831 in a flow direction of water.
  • the second rib 841 may have a ring shape and a circle formed by the second rib 841 may correspond to a circle formed by the second ring 831. Also, the second rib 841 may be provided on one surface of the second ring 831 adjacent to the outlet B.
  • the second rib 841 may be in contact with the rod member 802.
  • the rod member 802 of the valve unit 800 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D .
  • FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the rod member 802.
  • the rod member 802 may include a first part 812, a second part 822, and a third part 832.
  • the first part 812 of the rod member 802 may be provided at an end of the rod member 802 adjacent to the storage tank 80 and may be caught by a portion of the main body 801 when water is supplied to the steam unit 40.
  • the first part 812 may be formed to be caught by a portion of the main body 801, while allowing water supplied by the water supply pump 605 to pass therethrough, thus limiting a movement range of the rod member 802 within the main body 801.
  • the first part 812 may be formed to be caught by the second ring 831 formed on an inner circumferential surface of the main body 801 when water is supplied to the steam unit 40.
  • the first part 812 may be caught by one surface of the second ring 831 adjacent to the storage tank 80 when water is supplied to the steam unit 40.
  • the first part 812 may be formed to be mounted on a portion of the main body 801 when the steam unit 40 is static or when the water supply pump 605 is in an operational state.
  • the rod member 802 and the main body 801 may be coupled such that one end having a relatively small width, among both ends of the rod member 802, points to the inlet T of the main body 801.
  • the rod member 802 and the main body 801 may be coupled such that the first part 812 of the rod member 802 points to the inlet T of the main body 801.
  • FIG. 10B is a front view of the rod member 802
  • FIG. 10C is a plan view of the rod member 802
  • FIG. 10D is a bottom view of the rod member 802.
  • the first part 812 of the rod member 802 may include at least one hole 812a and a hook 812b formed to be caught by the second ring 831.
  • the hole 812a formed in the first part 812 may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the hook 812b.
  • the hook 812b included in the first part 812 may be mounted on one surface of the second ring 831 when the water supply pump 605 operates.
  • one surface of the second ring 831 may face the storage tank 80.
  • the first part 812 of the rod member 802 illustrated in FIG. 10B may be formed to be elastically deformed by an external force.
  • the first part 812 may be flexible by the hole 812a formed in the first part 812. That is, the hole 812a may be configured to allow an elastic deformation of the first part 812 at or about the hole 812a.
  • a width of the first part 812 may be temporarily reduced by an external force applied from the main body 801, and when the external force is removed, the first part 812 may be restored to the original width.
  • one surface of the first part 812 of the rod member 802 may be formed to be gentle to minimize resistance with respect to water flowing in the flow channel. That is, one surface of the first part 812 adjacent to the water supply pump 605 may have a streamlined shape.
  • one end of the first part 812 of the rod member 802 adjacent to the storage tank 80 may be narrower than one end of the first part 812 adjacent to the steam unit 40. That is, one end of the first part 812 adjacent to the inlet T may be narrower than one end of the first part 812 adjacent to the outlet B.
  • a longitudinal cross-section of the first part 812 may substantially correspond to a trapezoid.
  • a width of one end of the first part 812 of the rod member 802 adjacent to the storage tank 80 may be smaller than a diameter of a circle formed by the second ring 831. That is, a width of one end of the first part 812 of the rod member 802 adjacent to the inlet T of the main body 801 may be smaller than a diameter of a circle formed by the second ring 831.
  • a width of a largest portion of the first part 812 of the rod member 802 is greater than a diameter of the circle formed by the second ring 831. That is, a maximum width of the first part 812 formed by the hook 812b of the first part 812 may be greater than the diameter of the circle formed by the second ring 831.
  • the width of the largest portion of the first part 812 may be smaller than a circle formed by an inner circumferential surface of the main body 801.
  • a cross-section of the first part 812 may be smaller than a cross-section of the third part 832. That is, the cross-section of the first part 812 may be smaller than an area of a circle formed by the second ring 831.
  • the second part 822 of the rod member 802 corresponds to a shaft supporting the rod member 802 and the shaft may have a stop or damper 822a formed to fix the sealing member 803.
  • the third part 832 of the rod member 802 may be connected to the second part 822 of the rod member 802 and transmit pressure of steam generated by the steam unit 40 to the rod member 802.
  • the third part 832 may guide a direction in which the rod member 802 is oriented, whereby the rod member 802 is prevented from being restrained by a portion of the main body 801 when moving within the main body 801.
  • the third part 832 may prevent a foreign object from being inserted between the rod member 802 and the main body 801, thus assisting the rod member 802 to smoothly move within the main body 801.
  • the third part 832 of the rod member 802 may include third ribs 832a radially protruding from the rod member 802.
  • the third ribs 832a may be formed to prevent the rod member 802 from being restrained within the main body 801 due to a foreign object present within the hollow portion of the main body 801.
  • the third ribs 832a may guide a direction in which the rod member 802 is oriented, when the rod member 802 moves within the main body 801.
  • the third ribs 832a radially protrude from the rod member 802 such that the third ribs 832a are spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the main body 801 by a predetermined distance or smaller.
  • the third ribs 832a may guide a direction in which the rod member 802 is oriented such that the direction in which the rod member 802 is oriented is not tilted at a predetermined angle or greater from a predetermined reference axis penetrating through the inside of the main body 801.
  • the direction in which the rod member 802 is oriented may correspond to a central axis of the second part 822.
  • the third ribs 832a are formed to be spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the main body 801 by a predetermined distance or smaller, a foreign object is prevented from being caught between the third ribs 832a and the inner circumferential surface of the main body 801.
  • the third part 832 of the rod member 802 may have a base member 832b provided in a portion thereof connected to the second part 822 and receiving pressure of steam generated by the steam unit 40.
  • the third ribs 832a having a cross shape may be provided on one surface of the base member 832b adjacent to the steam unit 40.
  • the rod member 802 may move toward the inlet T of the main body 801 or the storage tank 80 within the hollow portion of the main body 801.
  • the base member 832b may be formed to be spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the main body 801 by a predetermined distance or smaller.
  • the base member 832b may be formed as a circular plate.
  • a shape of the base member 832b is not limited thereto and the base member 832b may have any shape as long as it can maximize an area of one surface of the base member 832b exposed to the outlet B of the main body B.
  • FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the sealing member 803.
  • the sealing member 803 illustrated in FIG. 11A may be formed to be tightly attached to one surface of the second ring 832 to close the hollow portion of the main body 801 when the rod member 802 moves toward the storage tank 80 or toward the inlet T of the main body 801 by air pressure of steam generated by the steam unit 40.
  • sealing member 803 may be tightly attached to one surface of the second ring 831 adjacent to the steam unit 40 or adjacent to the outlet B of the main body 801
  • the sealing member 803 may be tightly attached to the second rib 841 provided in the second ring 831.
  • the sealing member 803 may include a first plate 813 and a second plate 823.
  • the first plate 813 may be positioned to be closer to the inlet T of the main body 801 than the second plate 823. That is, the first plate 813 may be positioned above the second plate 823.
  • FIG. 11B is a front view of the sealing member 803.
  • the first plate 813 may be greater than the second plate 823. That is, the first plate 813 of the sealing member 803 according to the present disclosure may be formed to be as large as possible within a range in which movement of the rod member 802 is not interfered, in order to receive more air pressure by steam.
  • the second plate 823 may be formed to be thicker than the first plate 813.
  • damage to the sealing member 803 may be prevented. That is, when the sealing member 803 passes through the stop or damper 822a provided in the second part 822 of the rod member 802 during a process in which the sealing member 803 is coupled to the rod member 802, since the second plate 823 is relatively thick, damage to the sealing member 803 may be prevented.
  • FIG. 11C illustrates an embodiment of coupling the sealing member 803 and the rod member 802.
  • the sealing member 803 and the rod member 802 may be coupled.
  • the sealing member 803 may be formed to be elastically deformed by an external force so as to be inserted into the second part 822 of the rod member 802.
  • FIGS. 12A to 12C are conceptual views illustrating an operational state of the valve unit 800 changed according to movement of the rod member 802 in the hollow portion of the main body 801.
  • the rod member 802 may move to open or close the flow channel by at least one of water and steam flowing in the hollow portion of the main body 801.
  • the rod member 802 may move within a limited range in a space formed in the hollow portion of the main body 801.
  • the rod member 802 may start to move toward the outlet B of the main body 801 using pressure based on supplied water.
  • the rod member 802 may move within the main body 801 until the first part 812 of the rod member 802 is caught by the second ring 831.
  • the rod member 802 may not move toward the outlet B any longer and allow water to flow through the hole 812a formed in the first part 812.
  • the rod member 802 may start to move toward the inlet T of the main body 801 using air pressure based on generated steam.
  • the rod member 802 may move within the main body 801 until the sealing member 803 provided in the second part 812 of the rod member 802 is tightly attached to the second ring 831 of the main body 801.
  • the rod member 802 When the sealing member 803 of the rod member 802 is tightly attached to the second ring 831, the rod member 802 may not move toward the inlet T any longer and prevent generated steam from flowing back toward the water supply pump 605.
  • adhesion between the sealing member 803 and the second ring 831 may be lower than pressure of water introduced to the main body 801 when the water supply operation starts again after the steam operation terminates.
  • adhesion between the sealing member 803 and the second ring 831 may be lower than gravity applied to the rod member 802 after the steam operation terminates.
  • the valve unit 800 may be implemented in a first state in which the rod member 802 moves toward the steam unit 40 within the hollow portion of the main body 801 to open the hollow portion to allow water supplied from the storage tank 80 to flow and a second state in which the rod member 802 moves toward the storage tank 80 within the hollow portion to close the hollow portion to prevent a backflow of steam generated by the steam unit 40.
  • a portion of the follow channel in which the valve unit 800 is provided may be formed in a vertical direction with respect to the ground.
  • valve unit 800 may be implemented in the first state in which the rod member 802 moves downwards within the hollow portion of the main body 801 to open the hollow portion to allow water supplied from the storage tank 80 to flow when the steam unit 40 is stopped and the second state in which the rod member 802 moves upwards within the hollow portion to close the hollow portion to prevent a back flow of steam generated by the steam unit 40 when the steam unit 40 operates.
  • the rod member 802 may be positioned on a lower side within the hollow portion due to gravity. That is, when water or steam does not flow, the rod member 802 may be under gravity to move downwards within the main body 801 to open the hollow portion, implementing the first state.
  • the rod member 802 may move upwards within the hollow portion due to air pressure of generated steam. That is, when steam is generated, the rod member 802 may move upwards within the main body 801 by air pressure of steam to close the hollow portion, implementing the second state.
  • FIG. 12B illustrates the valve unit 800 in the second state.
  • the rod member 802 may move toward the inlet T of the main body 801 by air pressure of generated steam.
  • valve unit 800 When the sealing member 803 and the second ring 831 are tightly attached according to movement of the rod member 802, the valve unit 800 is closed, and thus, steam generated by the steam unit cannot pass through the second ring 831.
  • FIG. 12C illustrates the valve unit 800 in the first state.
  • the rod member 802 may move toward the outlet B of the main body 801 by pressure of the supplied water.
  • the mechanical valve instead of an electronic valve, is provided in the flow channel connected to the steam unit, manufacturing cost may be reduced.
  • the flow channel is opened when water is supplied to the steam unit and closed when steam is generated using the structural characteristics of the mechanical valve, a back flow of steam may be prevented.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
EP18178430.7A 2017-06-23 2018-06-19 Clothes treating apparatus Active EP3418437B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020170079826A KR102391684B1 (ko) 2017-06-23 2017-06-23 의류 처리 장치

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EP3418437A1 EP3418437A1 (en) 2018-12-26
EP3418437B1 true EP3418437B1 (en) 2021-04-28

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EP18178430.7A Active EP3418437B1 (en) 2017-06-23 2018-06-19 Clothes treating apparatus

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US (1) US11035066B2 (zh)
EP (1) EP3418437B1 (zh)
KR (1) KR102391684B1 (zh)
CN (1) CN109112808B (zh)

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KR102627704B1 (ko) * 2018-08-20 2024-01-23 삼성전자주식회사 의류관리장치
JP1710549S (ja) * 2019-12-04 2022-03-24 ビルトイン衣服ケア機と一体化した室内壁
JP1710551S (ja) * 2019-12-04 2022-03-24 ビルトイン衣服ケア機を組み込んだ室内壁
USD1011659S1 (en) * 2021-08-04 2024-01-16 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothing care machine
USD1025526S1 (en) * 2021-08-17 2024-04-30 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothing care machine
USD1030161S1 (en) * 2021-10-07 2024-06-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Clothing care machine with showcase

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US5161574A (en) * 1990-08-20 1992-11-10 Intevep, S.A. Maximum operation angle single plug and puppet type retention valves
KR101208506B1 (ko) * 2006-01-06 2012-12-05 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁장치의 역수압방지 구조
US7506663B2 (en) * 2006-07-20 2009-03-24 Fleetguard, Inc. Magnetic check valve
DE102007028617B4 (de) * 2007-06-19 2010-10-28 Miele & Cie. Kg Frontbeschickbare Wäschebehandlungsmaschine mit Dampferzeugungseinrichtung
ES2547274T3 (es) * 2010-12-22 2015-10-05 Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme Ag Válvula de retención con elemento optimizado de cierre
WO2014058350A1 (en) * 2012-10-12 2014-04-17 Yazykov Andrey Yurievich Check valve
PL2826909T3 (pl) 2013-07-19 2022-02-14 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Sposób obsługi jednostki generowania pary w suszarce do prania i sposób obsługi suszarki do prania
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Publication number Publication date
KR102391684B1 (ko) 2022-04-28
EP3418437A1 (en) 2018-12-26
US20190024288A1 (en) 2019-01-24
KR20190000617A (ko) 2019-01-03
CN109112808A (zh) 2019-01-01
US11035066B2 (en) 2021-06-15
CN109112808B (zh) 2021-11-02

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